Reflexology or foot massage

Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

Today, we celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year, the year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. So I wish thee power, good luck, success, and happiness!

Traditionally, the New Year Festival lasts 2 weeks so there are plenty of opportunities for celebrations.

Did you know that this calendar have been going on for 4710 years! When you think that even in those days, the chinese were using reflexology to treat people and provide well-being, it's amazing. Of course, the protocol and methods have changed but the idea remains the same.

So for this Chinese New Year, get working on your feet with a good reflexology session!!

Cake recipe book for diabetics

2012-01-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

I've met up with a wonderful lady that has put together recipes for diabetics.
Here is what she says about the ebook:

Are you diabetic, or do you have friends or family members who are?

Or thinking of starting out on the GI diet?

If so, times may be stressful, but they will be quite possibly more so if you, like me, have an extremely sweet tooth. You might even be thinking more about the loss of sweet food in your future, than the state of your health! The trouble is that cutting refined sugars out of our food plan, although an incredibly healthy thing to try and do, can also leave us with desires for that precious chocolate, cake and cookies. A handful of shops stock diabetic-friendly ready-made foods, but the dessert ranges are less than inspiring, and they don't always taste much better!

What you require is an e book of diabetic cake recipes.

Packed with 39 diabetic cake recipes, from carrot cake to cupcakes, and from applesauce cake to poppyseed muffins, it has anything and everything you could want to eat.

A number of of the recipes are totally sugar-free, others have reduced sugar and added substitutes, and the results are all delicious, and sometimes somewhat surprising! It is all packaged and decorated in an adorable 1950s old style theme, to fit in with the baking! Not only that, but when you order Diabetic Cake Recipes, you as well get an extra TWO electronic books:

Diabetic Cookie Recipes, and Diabetic Dessert Recipes!

Incredible, right?

By using these three books you can expect to never be short of tempting treats, each with a full list of ingredients, and instructions about the best way to cook them. The recipes range between very simple to more complicated, and you'll find styles of food to accommodate everybody.If these books can enable just one sweet-toothed diabetic find a balanced way to indulge themselves, then I'll be delighted.

Mind you, whatever you do, don't reserve these cakes, cookies and desserts just for the diabetics!

I get so many compliments on these bakes from friends, it would seem cruel to leave them out by cooking them a normal cake nowadays!

Get Diabetic Cake Recipes right now, for just $7.47, and I will also give you Diabetic Cookie Recipes and Diabetic Dessert Recipes, totally free. Because the price is so low too, this ‚"three-in-one" offer can't last for long. Take advantage of it now, so you don't regret it!

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Best wished for 2012 from the bottom of my heart.I hope this year will bring you all joy and harmony, health and serenity, success and achievements.The best way to start the year is to treat yourself to a foot reflexology session. If you can do it yourself, then repeat the relaxing experience as often as you like.

Even if you don't suffer from the flu or other winter bugs, there's nothing better than to sit down and be pampered for an hour.

Well, I know, working on some reflexology pressure points won't bring a smile to your face but it's all worth it.

And if you're feeling generous, why not make another person happy by offering a reflexology gift voucher.

Have you made any resolutions for the New Year? Well, I've decided to spread the word about reflexology to a wider audience than before so recommended this site to your friends!!

Happy Thanksgiving with reflexology!

2011-11-24T03:22:00.000-08:00

Happy thanksgiving to you all!

This is a tradition that is unknown in France where I live but I think it's a great tradition that should be widely applied.

If you've had too much food, use reflexology to ease the bloating and help you digest! The reflex zone for digestion is located in the middle part of the feet, on the soles. You could put a ball under your foot and make it roll, back to front, left to right. Don't forget to do both feet!

If you prefer to try a hand reflexology technique, interlace your fingers and place a small ball, like a golf ball, in your hands. Make the ball roll around until you feel better. It's a great way to unwind as well.

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-11-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

As the days get shorter and the cold weather sets in, it's time to think about your feet and give them a treat to survive winter!

You can get my ebook to learn the main relaxation movements at home. The ebook also guides you to locate the reflex points on your feet and make the most of this wonderful natural well-being technique.

As we get near Christmas, you can also buy it for a friend or a member of your family. The pdf format means they can take it anywhere with them on a laptop: great for busy people that travel a lot!

Alternatively, think about purchasing gift vouchers from your local reflexologist. Most of them do Christmas gift vouchers, this would make an unsually but highly appreciated present.

The profession is now well recognised in most countries so you're bound to find a professional reflexologist in your area. Search google or ask around for recommendations.

Acufit mats

2011-09-12T03:41:00.000-07:00

Another comment from Hems about acufit mats. Thanks for your input.

Have you heard of Acufit Mats? These mats utilize Foot Reflexology and Acupressure techniques. Simply walking on the mat for less than 5 minutes a day helps stimulate your body to promote total health. These mats can also help you Relieve Stress as acupressure helps release endorphins, which are the body's natural way to relieve stress and reduce pain.

Comments about products

2011-09-12T03:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a comment by Els about some reflexology products. Thank you.

I think some of the attributes are useful. Like a footroller or a soft massagebal with soft pins on it.
It helps in massaging the whole digestion area. It is best when used several times during the day, but not constantly.
For reflexologyshoe's with hard pins on the reflexzones. I think they are a gadget, not an aid. If you imagine your whole bodyweight on just o few pins. Au!
There are also shoe's or slippers with the whole sole with softer pins close together. This is better for the weight is divided over a lot of pins.
In Belgium we have reflexology paths in nature where you can walk on different kind of soil. From mud to logs to soft sand to water to pebbles... It is fun!
What i also encountered was a carpet with plastic pebbles attached but the pebbles where to far away from eachother so you get the result again that it is to much. You're whole bodyweight on just one spot. No reflexologist applies that kind of pressure.

Hope this adds something

Els
www.elsvandaele.be

Reviewing or testing reflexology related products

2011-07-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've just had an idea pop into my head (yes it does happen). There are many products out there that claim to be super effective for your well being and health: foot massager, reflexology socks, reflexology mats and so on.
How many have you tried? Do they work? How do they rate?

I'm going to try and collect a list of these products - they've got to be related to reflexology in some way - and write a review on them.

If you have any comments about reflexology products you have bought, please write to me.

If you are selling these products, maybe you can send me a sample or send me a description. the idea is not to give free advert space for a product but to try and give a fair and balanced view. Maybe using a polling system on this blog...

Anybody with ideas to help me set this up ???

Cool website advert

2011-06-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

I recently got contacted by a studio in Paris that does videos for websites.
I really liked the idea, it's innovative and fun and gets the attention of the visitors. It can be used to talk about the site, present a new feature, focus on current offers...

Have a look at a demo they made of my French reflexology site. I thought it was great, that's why I share it with you.

They can also do this kind of advert in English and change the actor/actress to suit the needs of the site. So if you are into marketing, this might interest you. The company is called Creanimstudio based in France(+33 650013428).

Reflexology and French scandal

2011-05-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

We have another scandal in France concerning a French minister. This time the minister for public service is accused of taking advantage of his female subordinates after offering them a foot reflexology session. We don't know if the claim is true but this type of behaviour is very bad for the image of the profession. People are mocking the use of reflexology, saying it's just an excuse to touch women's feet, get closer to them and sexually abuse them.

Have a look at the news about French minister Tron to find out. Of course, we are heading for general election (may 2012) so every accusation in the political field has to be taken with caution. I hope those women did not suffer such ordeal at work.

Dreaming of moving to France ...

2011-05-09T03:35:00.000-07:00

As you can see from my profile, I live in France and I suppose for many of you, this sounds like such a romantic place, a country you'd like to escape to.

Well, if you dream of leaving the rat race behind you, my husband can help you along the way. He develops web sites for French estate agents to advertise properties for sale in the lovely unspoiled South West of France.

I've got to say, we are very lucky to live in this area where, to the West, the forest is only stopped by the waves of the ocean, and, inland, the rolling hills abound with wild flowers and walnut trees.

Not forgetting the world famous vineyards producing renowned spirits like Cognac, excellent wines like Sauternes and Pomerol.

And if you tire of all this countryside, you can take a trip to Unesco World Heritage sites like Bordeaux or St Emilion.

So are you now ready to pack your bags?

The first step in making your dream a reality, is to browse through our websites and contact an agent to arrange visits for your next trip to France.
Seymour-james.com
Buy A French Property
Wright's French Property Selection

Enjoy!

Benefits of yoga

2011-05-06T02:02:00.000-07:00

I joined a yoga class many years ago, I found it was a great way to unwind and relax as well as keeping fit. Although it's not a strenuous sport, you can feel your muscles stretching.

I practiced right through my second pregnancy - avoiding some postures of course -, it helped me to prepare for the birth using breathing and relaxation techniques. Combined with self-help reflexology, I had an "easy" two hour labour, much better than the 15 hour labour I endured for my first child.

Actually if you are interested in running a class or practicing at home, you can also download a set of yoga gesture drawings here
108 yoga pose drawings

How to Gain Respect as a Reflexologist

2011-04-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

This post was written by Pat Walling.

Gaining respect for holistic practices of any kind can be challenging. Chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists, as well as reflexologists have been forced to prove their sciences in all parts of the world. Over 150 years ago, even dentists fought the same battles. Yet the benefits of reflexology and other holistic practices speak for themselves once people try them. Relieving pain and suffering is the best path to recognition and respect. As those with online health care degrees will tell you, the best proof of efficacy is found in positive results.

Understanding Reflexology

Reflexology is simply a matter of understanding that all parts of the body are connected. Massaging, applying pressure or stimulation to one area impacts another corresponding area, relieving pain or improving function. Most reflexologists work with the foot, but the outer ear, the hand and many other parts of the body can also work. Just as we do not have to open the case on the television to change the channel (but instead have a choice of using the remote control or a button on the face of the television) so we can change the inside of the body by applying pressure to the foot, the hand or the external ear. The energies and electrical impulses are connected in a system, so that just as with the TV, by pressing on one external spot, something inside is changed. Thus reflexology is simply applying gentle stimulation or pressure to the foot, in order to improve the function of the internal organs. This is a very noninvasive method of treatment, which is completely safe and amazingly effective.

Reflexology is Painless, Noninvasive and Safe

Reflexology is a completely noninvasive method of treating all sorts of illnesses and stresses within the human body. Patients do not even have to undress, other than removing their shoes. Better yet, reflexology isn’t painful at all. In fact, most people find it very pleasant. Similarly, there is no way a person can be harmed by reflexology. Unlike pharmaceutical therapy, there are no drug recalls, dangerous unknown side effects or even the most remote possibility of allergic reaction. Also, unlike invasive medical procedures there is no recovery time involved, and no risk of fatality or further harm from treatment. Also because reflexology does not involve medications there is no risk of it conflicting in any way with other treatments.

Reflexology is Effective for a Number of Conditions

There has been documented success in treating a number of different illnesses and symptoms, including senile dementia, pain, premenstrual symptoms, migraine headaches and tension headaches with reflexology. Reflexology has also proven effective in alleviating the pains associated with several illnesses. For instance it can provide relief from the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and it is also useful in treating the pain and anxiety of cancer patients. In fact, one in three American Cancer patients turn to reflexology for pain relief. There is evidence that the use of holistic practices, including reflexology, in conjunction with neurological treatments can be beneficial and boost the efficacy of both treatments.

Professionalism and Knowledge Boost Credibility

One of the key elements in gaining respect for the practice of reflexology is educating the public and raising awareness. Therefore, reflexologists should talk about their work, and be able to explain their practice in a credible way. They should have plenty of literature available to illustrate to clients how their system works, and information about studies proving the effectiveness of their treatments. They should be able to explain procedures, before performing them, just as any other medical professional would. As such, reflexologists should avoid pushy sales technique and always remain professional.

The experience of receiving reflexology must also prove effective for the patient. Thirty years ago, acupuncture had many of the same battles in the United States. Acupuncture was not covered by insurance, and most people thought it was pure quackery. Only as people experienced the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure for themselves, did it become an accepted field. Today acupuncture and acupressure methods are covered by most insurance in the United States and acupuncture is frequently recommended by American doctors.

Standardizing Practices

It is vital for all reflexology practitioners to communicate with other reflexologists, and stay abreast of events and discoveries within the group. Luckily, there are several Reflexology Associations. These associations must unify and become a governing body for the field, before any progress can be made toward credible credentialing. It would also help the situation if this governing body had close ties with associations in other countries.

In the absence of laws governing the profession, reflexologists should seek to observe the standards of the noblest medical professionals. Perhaps by abiding by the < herf=”http://www.medword.com/PhysiciansCharter.html”> Physicians Charter, reflexologists could serve mankind in a way that would humble a neurosurgeon.

Educational and Licensing Standards

Currently, reflexology is not regulated or recognized by the mainstream French health care system. Treatments are not reimbursed, and there is no recognition of credentials whether a practitioner has a doctorate, merely a certificate or no training whatsoever.

The current non-regulated system has both advantages and pitfalls. The main advantage is that those who are talented in reflexology and cannot afford a medical doctorate can practice without government interference. The main pitfall is that there is no standard of practice, and no governing body to determine if a reflexologist is practicing reflexology correctly.

In order to remedy this situation, an independent authorizing body should be established, and all practitioners should be made to demonstrate their knowledge and ability in a standard exam. This exam should be created and administered cooperatively between all reflexology schools and organizations, not just one or the other. Even if a governmental board is not appointed, and the board offering credentials is not recognized by law, beginning a unified credentialing process would lend credibility to practitioners who hold the credentials.

Giving Clients Results

There is a great deal of evidence that reflexology works if done correctly. However it is vital that each practitioner of reflexology perform all the procedures properly, in order to attain favorable results from their work. Satisfied clientele will praise the effectiveness of treatments, and promote reflexology far more than the government or licensing agency.

Finally, it is important to remember that these battles for acceptance for reflexology and other holistic techniques have already been fought in many other countries. There are always skeptics, both the ignorant and the educated, who attempt to debunk holistic medicine. Only with high standards of expertise, quality care, professionalism and dramatic results will reflexology become as widely accepted in France, as it has in other parts of the world.

Reflexology in France

2011-04-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Reflexology is used throughout the world but each country has a different approach to the therapy. For example, in France, reflexology is not recognized by the state so there are no standard training or qualifications. Unfortunately, this can lead to abuse and bad practices which in turn provides further evidence for those that think reflexology is quack therapy. This current situation is also bad for the end-users who can't rely on objective information regarding the training and skill of a reflexologist.

In fact, anyone can set up shop saying they are expert reflexologist! Or even set up a school and deliver diplomas that have no bearing on the quality of the training.

The only thing they are not allowed to do is to use the word "massage" as this term is the monopole of qualified physiotherapists. Any person claiming to provide a massage can be sued by the state! So in English, I can talk about foot massage, but in france, I could be in trouble for saying that I give a relaxation massage at the beginning of a reflexology session. I have to find another way to describe the act: I manipulate the foot with circular movements, or, I apply pressure on the foot. The law states that a massage is a therapeutic act so it can only be performed by a person trained in the medical physiotherapy state schools.

So why not create state qualifications for reflexology to raise and harmonize the quality of practitioners instead of ostracizing them.

At least in the UK, the IIR training courses provide a standard which can be recognised throughout the country. The government has worked on this issue to harmonize standards and training modules.

"The Government, in conjunction with Skills for Health, has been reviewing the current qualifications offered for reflexology and other complementary therapies. The results of this are that, as of January 1st 2011, there will be a single set of qualifications in reflexology recognised by the government. Any awarding body wishing to offer an approved level 3 Diploma in Reflexology will be required to follow the same module structure and content." (quoting a letter from Karen King, Chair of the AoR Board of Directors).

Well, I hope it will gradually improve so the profession and benefits of reflexology are properly recognised.

Learning reflexology for fun

2011-03-24T02:32:00.001-07:00

I previously posted about training courses to become a professional reflexologist. However, this might not suit everybody, you can be interested in reflexology without wanting to make a career out of it.

So there are other alternatives to a full certification course. There are introductory courses, one day tasters, reflexology workshops, to find out about the theory and learn to perform a basic treatment without committing to a full course and to higher costs. These workshops are great for anybody interested in learning the 'tools' to practice at home, on other family members.

It's also possible to combine such an introduction course with the purchase of a more complex book so you can develop your knowledge at home at your own pace.

Such a book can be downloaded from www.reflexologyfootmassage.com

If you then decide reflexology is definitely the career for you, then you can embark on a full certification course which requires a long term commitment.

Short reflexology workshops are available everywhere, in the UK, US and all around the world. As the interest in this field is growing, more schools are designing introduction workshops. Check out your nearest licensed reflexology school on Google to find out what is on offer.

Help for Japan

2011-03-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

What a terrible sight in Japan! I was shocked by the force of nature, it is a strong reminder that there is nothing we can do against such force. Even if Japan is better prepared for earthquakes than many other poorer countries, the effects of a quake of that magnitude are still amazing. And the tsunami that followed seems more devastating than the earthquake itself. You must have seen those pictures of an unstoppable wall of water carrying everything in its path.

The burning issue is now the safety of the nuclear plant; any nuclear accident will have long term impact on the region, its inhabitants and wildlife. Like Tchernobyl in 1986.

As a country with a long history of reflexology practice and embedded reflexology paths, let us hope that the Japan will quickly recover.

If you want to advertise a charity offering help to Japan, please add a comment.

Training to become a reflexologist

2011-02-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

If you would like to change career and train to become a reflexologist, there are a few things to consider.

For example, you need to work out your budget and timescale.

Depending on the country you live in, you need to check if reflexology is recognized by the state and whether they are some official training schools. Many countries have strict laws and regulations in place for reflexologists. Check out the laws that apply in your country and what type of qualifications are required to practice.

There are many different types of training schools and training courses. It really depends on your availability and the speed of learning: some courses run at week-ends over a year, others are more intensive ...

I would always recommend a course that allows for plenty of practical training, literally "hands on". If fact, you will usually be asked to carry out some case studies before getting your qualification. This also gives you the opportunity to test if this is really the type of work you would like to do. I remember a person that wanted to become a reflexologist but could not stand looking at (not even touching) mishaped feet, so she gave up. It stands to reason that all feet are not in perfect shape like on a magazine cover!

It might also be important to you to have a post-training mentor, someone you can call when you are confronted by an unusual case and need special advice.

In any case, if you are considering becoming a reflexologist, start by reading some books about the subject. In particular, our "step by step" manual will give you a lot of insight about the technical and ethical aspects of reflexology.

Can't shift that nasty cold?

2011-01-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've tried many grandmother tips to cure a cold: Tea with thyme, lavender bath, a strong warm drink .... there are many recipes to try but have you thought about a reflexology session? You can target certain reflex points not only to alleviate the symptoms but to treat the cause.

Reflexology is an holistic therapy so there is no point just working on the lung reflex zones, when other zones can be equally important in treating the health disorder.

This can be a short session, 10 to 15 minutes are sufficient. You should start with a few relaxing movements first of all to put the person at ease. Even if you're doing some self-help, this relaxation part is worth indulging in!
Then work on the lung reflex zone on the left foot three or four times before changing over to the right foot.

Next, work on the spine reflex zone in slow reptation movement from top to heel. Once again, start on the left foot, then move over to the right foot. The spine is so important in reflexology because of the bundles of nerves it contains.

Finally, the digestive system needs to be worked on to accelerate the elimination of toxins. Generally, if the toxins cannot be evacuated by the digestive system, they find another exit causing unbalance and disorder.

Don't forget to finish off with more relaxing movements before nodding off for a peaceful night!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T13:50:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a really great new year! Best wishes for good health, happiness and personal achievement.

What are your thoughts and resolutions for the new year? Whatever they are, believe in yourself and keep going!

Don't forget to practice a bit of foot reflexology to get over those winter colds and boost your energy levels. And when you're feeling stressed out, get your caring partner to massage those feet to send you to heaven! Alternatively, visit your local reflexologist for a treat.

Get ready for winter!

2010-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

How are you coping with the shorter days and colder weather? If this time of the year sends you into hibernation, then go and visit your local reflexology practice for a pre-winter treat.

Getting rid of toxins, restoring balance and boosting your immune system will give you a head start to fight off any daring colds or other seasonal infections.

Don't let the damp dull days get you down and look after yourself!

And cheer up, it's only one month to Christmas! I love watching the Christmas lights in towncentres and the excitement of children in the run-up to Christmas.

Updated book extract

2010-11-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've updated the extract from the Step by Step book on the Reflexology site so you can now see some of the pictures.

This page deals with the respiratory system. The pictures gives a visual aid to locate reflex points on the sole of the feet and in which order to press them.

This system is one that is currently often worked on as the change of season brings its fair share of colds, sore throat and bronchitis. As mentioned in the book, in reflexology, you never work just on one system to treat an ailment. Reflexology is an holistic therapy so it recognises that many systems are "involved" in an illness.

The ebook is also available for download on the UK reflexology web site .

If you're serious about learning foot reflexology, this ebook is for you as it has been put together using notes from a reflexology training course. The book will enable you to gain specific knowledge about the techniques and uses of reflexology.

It can also be a great Christmas present for a loved one!

Blog Top List

2010-10-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

I've found this site which lists blogs and gives them a rank:

You can vote for a blog you like:

So if you also have a blog, give it a try!

Fitness: losing sight - losing balance

2010-10-22T03:13:00.000-07:00

Last night was my second session at the health and fitness class. Our teacher had prepared the room with many obstacles (balls, bottles, steps...). After a warm up session we took part in games designed to work on balance and auditive memory! We were attached in pairs, left foot to right foot, and had to coordinate our steps to progress and go over the obstacles. We had a good laugh as we were going in different directions but still attached to each other. In the end we were counting "1, 2, 3, step over the ball" or marching like the army to avoid tripping over! Then one of us was blindfolded and had to be guided by the other over a circuit of balls, bottles, cones...

It's amazing how you lose your balance once you lose vision, you get disorientated, and it's sometimes difficult to rely (=trust) the other's guidance.

Which brings me to the subject of reflexology: I have never practiced on a blind or visually impaired person and I wonder if the feelings/senses are more intense. For example, when applying pressure on a reflex point near the head or neck, some people "feel" something in their head or neck, like a tingling, or a sensation of become lighter.

I know there are some blind reflexologists that are brilliant and I've just found a film on the subject made in Singapore http://cahaya.terapad.com/ . Written and directed by Johan John, ‘Cahaya’ revolves around Salleh, a blind reflexologist who lives in his own dark world but believes in the light of life and Maria, an escort who lives in a world full of colour but sees only darkness. This heartfelt drama is very nicely done.

But I just wonder if as a patient, visually impaired people react in a different way. Please share your experience with us!

Fitness and health

2010-10-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

I've got to share this new "keep fit" program with you.
Every year, I enroll in a local fitness class to have at least 1 hour a week for myself. I live in the countryside in France so the choice is fairly limited, and I don't want to travel for 30 minutes to get to a class.

So a few years ago, we had a yoga teacher. That was great, it worked wonders on my breathing and agility. I was pregnant at the time and I think it was very beneficial for the pregnancy and birth.

Then the yoga teacher retired. The following year, the only local class was run by a young "keep fit" adept. The pace and style were very different; it was all about press-ups and other strenuous exercises to the rhythm of hip-hop music. It certainly toned my stomach muscles but it was not soft enough for me. In France we use the term "gym douce" but I don't think this new teacher know the meaning of soft... or maybe I 'm getting older and can't take it!

Anyway, this year we have an alternative class, and when I say alternative, it really is a different approach. I've only been to one session but it's a welcome shock to the system!
The teacher is used to working with disabled people and workers at risk to help them improve their safety and become aware of their movements. His class is called "fitness and health", he is really passionate about his work but spends too much time talking about the theory. So in an hour, I did not feel like we exercised very much, just played a few games to improve our memory and dexterity. For example, in pairs, we had to run whilst throwing the ball to the partner , then clapping, then catching the ball with one hand and so on... Not as easy at it seems.

I like this approach where every automatic behaviour is broken down to make you conscious of your movement and breathing, getting rid of bad habits to relearn. It's a bit like the Alexander technique, it's educational.

I'm not sure the other ladies are ready for his new approach as it is so different from what we had last year. Anyway, I'll give it a go and let you know how I get on.

Colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy

2010-10-15T02:48:00.000-07:00

I've recently discovered a new alternative therapy to clean your body of toxins and help you restore good health. Well, it is not new as such since it has been used for hundreds and even thousands of years. Like so many alternative medecine, we are not inventing anything, just updating and improving the techniques and giving a new name. You might hear about colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy or colonic lavage: it's the same thing.

I heard about it because a friend of mine, a naturopath/reflexologist, has trained for months and invested 15000 € in a brand new machine that can clean up your colon and give you a brand new lease of life. I have not yet tested the technique but I'd like to hear from you if you have any experience to share.

Anyway, I've created a website for my friend: L'hydrothérapie du côlon ou irrigation du côlon (sorry it's in French!). He practices near Bordeaux in France so if you're enjoying a holiday in the area, book yourself a session after eating all that rich and gorgeous French food!

Spring is here ... and Hay Fever is around the corner!

2010-03-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

That's it, the cold weather is behind us as winter is officially over. It's now time for the longer days, warmer weather and changes in nature. Where I live, you can feel that spring is amongst us; with the birds singing in the trees, the plants sprouting up, the flowers timidly blooming. It's time to rejoice, however for more and more people it's time to think about their dreaded allergy: hay fever!

Hay fever is a common condition which affects a growing number of children and adults. It usually occurs in spring and summer when there is more pollen in the air. You can experience hay fever at different periods of the year depending on the type of pollen causing the allergy.

The symptoms are sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. What happens is the immune system overreacts when the body comes in contact with pollen, and a chemical called histamine is released by cells in the nose, mouth and eyes. This is what triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Unfortunately, hay fever cannot be cured but there are ways of reducing the symptoms. Anti-histamine tablets are commonly taken but if you want to opt for a drug-free therapy, you should try foot reflexology

In reflexology therapy, there are preventive treatments that can be done every year prior to the hay fever period, followed by reflexology sessions during the worst season.

Reflexology can help to minimize the symptoms by focusing on the main reflex points connected with the sinuses, head, eyes and adrenal glands.

You might find improvements from the first session, generally you will have to follow a course of 4 or 5 sessions for better results. The important thing is to renew this treatment every year before the hay fever period.

If you suffer from hay fever, I really advise you to try reflexology and you will be able to enjoy the outdoors again!

If you have tried reflexology for hay fever, please give your experience by posting a comment after this post.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

For all lovers out there, I hope you're having a great day. Don't forget to express your love on EVERY day of the year, not just once a year!
That's why I don't really subscribe to this Valentine's Day business. If you truly feel for somebody, you're going to tell them more than once a year, unless you are really shy or you have not yet declared your flame...

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it involves a nice relaxing reflexology massage. That's a great treat. Last year, I remember reading about a lady who designed sexy reflexology socks. I thought it was a great idea to make it fun for couples. The socks show which zones stimulate sex drive and where are the erogenous spots. Don't know if they work but it must be fun to try!

If you actually want to learn about the health benefits of foot reflexology, it's better to get a book and practice following the instructions. It's not always easy to find the correct reflex spot or to trigger the right reaction, but practice makes perfect! And, as long as you don't inflict pain, the person receiving the treatment will be grateful for the relaxation and for being pampered.

A foot massage or foot reflexology treatment also provides an opportunity to bond between partners or between parent and child. My children love this special time, even if it lasts 5 minutes. They love being touched in this way and feel special. Sometimes they want to reciprocate and try to do my feet which can be very tickly!

Find out more from this ebook on my Reflexology site.

An alternative Christmas

2009-10-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

We're getting to this time of year when pressure is on to spend, spend, spend...

At a time when many people are struggling, are worried about losing their job or are unemployed, it might be worth rethinking about spending money on presents for Christmas. So how can we offer nice presents without breaking the bank?

I think we should move away from this consumerism culture, forget the luxury watch, the expensive perfume or the latest computer game - why not give your TIME? Ok get a small present to be opened on Christmas day but mainly give a couple of hours of your free time.

Giving time and effort might seem more difficult than buying something when there is plenty of cash around, however if you're trying to offer a worthwhile present without suffering financially, then change the attitude. This could help your relationship, providing an opportunity to bond again and relax with your loved ones.

For example, buy a massage accessory and offer to massage your loved one with it. Take your disabled mother round the lake or down to the woods to smell the fresh air. Build a birds table with your elderly relative so they can enjoy bird watching from their window. Offer to babysit for your friend while she has her hair done (and vice versa!).

It might be more difficult for children to accept this change, mainly if they still believe in Father Christmas/Santa.
However, teenagers could really enjoy it. For example, take your nephews to a frozen lake or to free museums where they can touch and experience new things. Make it fun and they'll soon forget their video games!

I remember taking my son and his cousin to the Lake District (UK) in the coldest of winters. We could not even drive off the main roads as the small roads were too icy. Instead we walked around and challenged them to climb up a small hill. Well they never had so much fun, going up a little and sliding down on their bottom, then walking up again a bit more and sliding down. Finally getting to the top of the hill with their faces gleaming with pride!

Am I the only one thinking this way or do you agree?
Share your thoughts with me and share your ideas for a truely beautifull Christmas!

Hand Reflexology v Foot Reflexology

2009-02-06T02:27:00.000-08:00

In this blog I focus mainly on foot reflexology. However it is worth having a look at hand reflexology. The principles and techniques are very similar, it's just the position of the reflex points and the handling which differ.

Hand reflexology might be useful when a person has health problems with their feet (local infection , broken foot...) or is very ticklish! It's also more practical if you want to practice in public with friends or family.

I've reviewed an article from Teresa Rich who is an advanced reflexology trainer (01202 295910). She also sells training DVDs published by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (www.reflexology-uk.org). Here are some of the differences between hand and foot reflexology she mentioned in the article:

"Our hands are of the upmost importance when it comes to touching, sensing and communicating with others. Perhaps this is why they have such a powerful role in the healing process, whether they are providing a treatment - or indeed, receiving one. Hand reflexology is a very simple yet effective therapy that most clients find pleasant and deeply relaxing. Although some consider it to be the poor relation of foot reflexology, hand reflexology is often more convenient and can be just as effective as its sister therapy.

"It is true that the reflexes are much deeper in the hands and therefore more pressure is required in order to produce the same results as foot reflexology. However, if a gentler treatment is desirable for a particular client, then hand reflexology may be more preferable to foot reflexology as it is generally considered less powerful."

Here is Teresa's description of a treatment session:

"A treatment typically begins with a five-minute massage of the right hand, which includes effleurage, wrist rotations, thumb rotations and knuckle kneading. This is then followed by a 25-minute reflexology routine, where the therapist works the following:

- The neurological system/skeletal system/muscular system;

- Head;

- Arm and shoulder;

- Spine;

- Pelvic area;

- Cardiovascular/lymphatic system;

- Digestive system;

- Reproductive system;

- Urinay system;

- Endocrine system.

The treatment is then concluded with a five-minute routine and all of the above is repeated on the left hand."

Here are some of the benefits outlined in the article:

"As well as improving circulation and well-being, the therapy is said to:

- Benefit conditions that typically affect the hands and wrists, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI;

- Aid recovery from hand injury;

- Help maintain manual dexterity;

- Rejuvenate overused or tired hands.

Many reflexologists have also found that hand reflexology is particularly useful if the client has an injured foot, an infection - such as athlete's foot - ticklish feet, or does not like their feet being touched. It is found that most people can cope with having their hands touched as this is common occurrence in everyday life.

Reflexologists who are presented with a local contraindication on the foot, such as an ingrown toe nail, or who want to reinforce their work on a particular reflex found on the foot, may find it useful to work the corresponding reflexes on the hand towards the end of their treatment."

Reflexology book review

2009-01-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

So what are your resolutions for the new year? Looking to improve your life? Wanting to take a new direction?

I have an amazing ebook that could bring all this to you! I've been working on it for a while and it is now ready for download.

The Step By Step Reflexology Manual covers all the aspects of this wonderful natural therapy, from the preparation stage to the actual reflexology moves required for each body system.

This ebook is suitable for a complete beginner, it's also the perfect guide for a health professional wanting to discover another therapy.

Fully illustrated, this manual guides you along with comprehensive instructions so you are able to learn how to work the reflex points. It also contains useful relaxation techniques to relax the feet before the actual reflexology treatment.

Working the reflex points of the feet can help reduce stress, improve health and bring the body back into balance. Stress is at the root of many illnesses and complaints. Reflexology is well known for its relaxation benefits and its positive impact on health and well-being.

So don't hesitate and give yourself the chance to acquire a new skill.

Who knows, it could be the start of a new career, encouraging your to take up a course to become a fully trained reflexologist!

Find out more on the Reflexology site

Reflexology and Cellulite

2008-07-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is already here and I hear many women cursing their thights and buttocks: That horrible cellulite is still here!!! How can I get rid of it?

Well, I don't think there are any miracle cure to get rid of cellulite within 24 hours but it is worth trying reflexology to flush out the toxin and help the body eliminate faster.

First some facts:

Cellulite usually depends on both genetic and hormonal factors. It’s said to worsen with such things as altered blood circulation, incorrect eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol, high heels and tight garments. 90% of women have been said to confront cellulite, which increases as women age and their skin thins. So we are pretty doomed unless extremely lucky!
Cellulite is not a medical term, but is the name given by the French. Not my fault, I can assure you! For those 10% of women that have never seen cellulite, it describes a skin condition with dimply, orange-peel look above the fat on hips, thighs and buttocks. It results from compressed and stagnant plasma and lymph accumulating in surface adipose (fatty) tissues. In other words,

So how can reflexology help?

Reflexology can assist in reducing cellulite by working on the lymphatic system and digestive system. The session will activate the blood and lymphatic flow hence flushing out accumulated toxins. In the same way, by stimulating the digestive system, it will help get rid of unwanted fats.

Have a look at this short video to see some of the moves for the lympathic system. The digestive system is quite complicated for the untrained person, so it would be better to look at a book if you want to try it out at home.
Reflexology therapy is useful for thousands of problems or illnesses so if you have not undergone training yet, you should do so and treat yourself to a relaxing time!

Foot reflexology and Pregnancy

2008-05-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is a message for pregnant women who want to try reflexology to ease the strain and pain of pregnancy.

Despite what you might read in papers, pregnant women can benefit from reflexology treatment. You can start the treatment from the end of the third month right until the birth. Once or twice a month is the recommended rate of visits but if you love it, you can have weekly sessions.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for the future mum, surrounded by loved ones, pampered by the future dad, blessed with childbearing wish, delighted to become a mum. However, pregnancy can also be a source of stress, discomforts and health problems: how to become a perfect mother, adjusting to body and hormonal changes, sleep disorders, heartburns, backaches, heavy legs, etc...

Foot reflexology brings many benefits for the future mum and can be of enormous support, in particular, it gets rid of stress and tensions, brings about deep relaxation, can regulate and improve blood circulation, eases backaches, provides a state of well-being during pregnancy and helps the mum to be more attentive to her baby. Reflexology can also be helpful in labour and delivery, some midwifes are using the treatment for pain relief during labour.

Foot reflexology is a natural holistic therapy which has been around for a long time, in various forms. It is mainly a preventive therapy which also helps chronic disorders. With foot reflexology, you can restore mental and physical equilibrium, eliminate toxins and disperse negative energies such as stress.

It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice. In particular, you should consult your GP if you are at risk of pre-eclampsia or diabetism.

Reflexology therapists will often specialise or do extra training to deal with pregnant women. If in doubt, you should ask the therapist if he/she has received advanced training in this field, or has experience in treating pregnant women.

Reflexology and Cancer

2008-05-13T01:25:00.000-07:00

Reflexology students are often told in training, do not treat any patients with cancer!
However, there are ongoing studies within hospitals which show the benefit of reflexology on these patients. Obviously, no claim to cure cancer, but a decrease in pain, anxiety, nausea. For a weak person, this relief is certainly well appreciated. So new trainees should be shown how to treat these patients with care. Also, the treatment should be adapted to the stage of the cancer and the state of the patient.

Read on these articles I found on the web and give your comments.

Article published on the NCBI in 2007
Partner-delivered reflexology: effects on cancer pain and anxiety.

Stephenson NL, Swanson M, Dalton J, Keefe FJ, Engelke M.
School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA. stephensonn@mail.ecu.edu
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of partner-delivered foot reflexology and usual care plus attention on patients' perceived pain and anxiety.
DESIGN: The experimental pretest/post-test design included patient-partner dyads randomly assigned to an experimental or control group.
SETTING: Four hospitals in the southeastern United States.
SAMPLE: 42 experimental and 44 control subjects comprised 86 dyads of patients with metastatic cancer and their partners, representing 16 different types of cancer; 23% of patients had lung cancer, followed by breast, colorectal, and head and neck cancer and lymphoma. The subjects had a mean age of 58.3 years, 51% were female, 66% had a high school education or less, and 58% were Caucasian, 40% were African American, and 1% were Filipino.
METHODS: The intervention included a 15- to 30-minute teaching session on foot reflexology to the partner by a certified reflexologist, an optional 15- to 30-minute foot reflexology session for the partner, and a 30-minute, partner-delivered foot reflexology intervention for the patient. The control group received a 30-minute reading session from their partners. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Pain and anxiety.
FINDINGS: Following the initial partner-delivered foot reflexology, patients experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity and anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS: A nurse reflexologist taught partners how to perform reflexology on patients with metastatic cancer pain in the hospital, resulting in an immediate decrease in pain intensity and anxiety; minimal changes were seen in the control group, who received usual care plus attention.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Hospitals could have qualified professionals offer reflexology as a complementary therapy and teach interested partners the modality.

Another article related to cancer and reflexology

[The effects of foot reflexology on nausea, vomiting and fatigue of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy]

[Original article in Korean]

Yang JH.
Department of Nursing, Inje University, Pusan, Korea. jhyang@inje.ac.kr
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of foot reflexology on nausea, vomiting and fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
METHOD: The research was a quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent pre-post design and was conducted from Jan. 26, to Mar. 20, 2004. The subjects consisted of 34 patients with 18 in the experimental group and 16 in control group. A pretest and 2 posttests were conducted to measure nausea, vomiting and fatigue. For the experimental group, foot reflexology, which was consisted of 4 phases for 40 minutes, was given by a researcher and 4 research assistants. The collected data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using the SPSS WIN 10.0 program.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in nausea, and vomiting in the experimental group compared to the control group over two different times. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in fatigue in the experimental group compared to the control group over two different times.
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology was effective on nausea, vomiting and fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in this study. Therefore, foot reflexology can be usefully utilized as a nursing intervention in the field of cancer nursing for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

How to do the Thumb Walk

2008-05-02T01:52:00.000-07:00

Thumb walking is one of the most important techniques of reflexology. It's hard to achieve a good thumb walk without seeing an experienced therapist perform this. Also it seems to differ from one country to another! So I have found an extract from Teresa Rich's video (UK) to share with you. It is similar to the technique I use in France and illustrates it quite well on the shoulder area.

This thumb or caterpillar walk enables the therapist to feel any toxin deposits, cristals or jelly-like areas on the foot which indicates a sensitive organ or disorder. At the same time the forward movement pushes these deposits so they can be eliminated.

Notice that the nails are kept short and tidy so they don't dig into the patient's foot. No need to add displeasure to the reflexology session!

New Year Resolutions

2008-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

(belated) Happy New Year!
At the beginning of the year, I took the resolution to publish more often to my reflexology blog. But here we are at the end of February and I'm just doing my first article of 2008. Despite this slow start, I will try to increase my posting and keep adding my point of view on the subject of reflexology. I might also talk about other subjects such as naturopathy or aromatherapy, etc. And as usual I welcome all your comments and experience in this field. I would like this blog to become a worldwide shared resource for reflexology.

As people are feeling more and more stressed by the pressures of modern life, they seek natural remedies that will bring relief to their aches and pains. Reflexology offers that immediately as the person receiving the treatment is able to stop, sit confortably and do nothing for an hour. I think the preparation is very important in the session so that the person receiving the treatment makes a conscious effort to "stop the clock" during the session. They need to be ready to receive in order to get the most from the treatment. It's not easy in today's world when we are continuously bombarded by information, always planning activities, thinking about problems and so on.

This preparation can be a foot bath, a light massage, lighting candles or incense or deep breathing exercice. There are many ways to put the person at ease but it is essential for their well being. They will get more out of the treatment if their body and mind are able to focus on the reflexology rather than being a thousand miles aways on other matters.

Unusual Reflexology Chart

2007-12-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

There are many foot reflexology charts out there but I had never seen one quite like this one. I like the "realistic" drawing of the organs. It's helpful for students as they can immediately identify the reflex area corresponding to the organ, they don't need to refer to a list with numbers. It is somewhat different from Bayly's, Byer's or Kunz's versions to name a few and it does not seen to contain all the organs and glands. Nevertheless I like its looks and the fact that it is unusual.

For information, I've found it on a site about Bali (http://blog.baliwww.com/guides/609/). Apparently reflexology massage is becoming very popular with tourists to that area. I don't know how it compares with the Western reflexology we practice here, I would like to find out more so post a comment if you have done any comparative study.

Reflexology and Insomnia

2007-11-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

Foot reflexology is effective in the improvement of many health conditions but is it useful for insomnia?

First what is insomnia? Well, if you are reading this article at 3 am instead of sleeping, you could be suffering from insomnia!
In fact, there are many types of insomnia and therefore various symptoms such as difficulty to fall asleep, not staying asleep, waking up frequently during the night, waking up early in the morning feeling exhausted...

Our sleep is divided in cycles. The REM cycle corresponds to active sleep, it's the period during which we make those strange vivid dreams. Sufficient REM sleep is crucial for memory storage, retention, learning and emotional balance. Therefore sleep deprivation can have devastating effects for the sufferer as insomnia reduces concentration, coordination, creates fatigue, irritability, stress and headaches.

Insomnia can occur in children as well as adults. Since sleep patterns changes with age, old people tend to need less sleep at night so they might believe that they suffer from insomnia when actually they don't.

Insomnia is not a disease but a symptom which can be due to stress, anxiety, physical problems, medication. Depression is actually recognised as one of the main causes of insomnia. In fact counseling would be the most effective treatment for depression in addition to or instead of medication. The same applies to stress related insomnia, the cause of stress needs to be addressed in order to cure insomnia.

Also insomnia can be caused by too much drinking, high caffeine intake, drug use, irregular sleep-wake cycle, shift working, jet lag, partner's snoring, financial or emotional problems. If this is to be temporary, eliminating the causes via a re-adjustment in one's life would solve the problem although this is not always easy to achieve. Many sufferers don't want to rely solely on drugs to deal with insomnia so they turn to alternative holistics treatments such as reflexology.

As far as I know there are no proven scientific link between reflexology treatment and insomnia improvement. Studies have been carried out on this topic but they don't always follow the scientific study rules to be recognised. However any reflexologist can vouch for the benefits of reflexology treatment in case of insomnia and will have many cases to back this.

Reflexology treatment on patients suffering from temporary or chronic insomnia can help them relax and cope better with stress. Reflexology cannot get rid of external causes but it can help the patient get a better rest at night. Most patients will find the treatment useful in improving their sleep patterns with longer sleep cycles, less interrupted sleep and deeper sleep. Since reflexology aims at restoring balance in the body and mind and freeing the flow of energy, it can have a beneficial impact on insomnia sufferers who suffer from imbalance in this area.

The treatment should last at least 6 sessions to see if it has any impact. The reflexes to be specifically worked on are the brain, solar plexus, spine, respiratory and circulatory systems.

When applying pressure to the solar plexus, use breathing exercice to enhance the relaxation effect. As you press on the reflex point, ask the patient to breathe in and as you release the pressure, tell him to exhale.

Each reflex point or zones should be worked on several times to help with relaxation and sleep disorders.

If you have any further information regarding this topic, leave a comment.

New Reflexology Web Site

2007-11-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I've translated my French reflexology web site into English so you can now read more information about this relaxing natural therapy at Reflexology foot massage.

I try to explain the difference between reflexology and foot massage so people know what to expect from a full reflexology treatment.

I also give a summary of other therapies which provide a sense of well being and can help you to remain in good health, such as aromatherapy, indian massage.

I will gradually add to the web site. In particular, I am translating an ebook intended for anybody wishing to learn the specific technique of foot reflexology. This book will be very precise with many charts and illustrations.

Have a look at the site and enjoy it.

How to occupy your children while learning foot reflexology

2007-10-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

I've got to share this site with you. It has nothing to do with reflexology but it can be very useful for mums who want some quiet time giving or receiving a foot reflexology massage.

It's a web site with plenty of drawings for kids to print out and color, such as halloween and christmas drawings.

Although it's a French web site http://coloriage.mobi/
you can also visit its English section.

This site also has drawing competitions for kids and adults. At the moment there is a competition about animals on the French side of the site. My son James has entered this with a dozen pictures as he is very keen on drawing. Have a look and vote for him if you like his art (he's only six so make some allowances!)It makes a good game for your children to learn French alphabet using animals.

Reflexology and Acne

2007-09-24T14:12:00.001-07:00

I've found an amazing article about treating skin disorders with reflexology. In particular this article gives great details of a case study involving a young woman with acne.

This article was written by Beryl Crane who is the founder and director of the Crane School of Reflexology, a Fellow of the Reflexologists' Society and a Fellow of the Association of Reflexologists.

Beryl Crane explains that eczema, acne and many other skin disorders are often the result of a malfunction in the internal organs. This imbalance can be made worse by poor eating habits.

So her treatment focuses on working the reflex points for liver, adrenal gland and kidneys. She also stimulates the endocrine system and calms down the sympathetic nerves. In addition she recommends a diet to change incorrect eating habits which exacerbate skin disorders.

If you are interested, read her article
http://www.positivehealth.com/article-view.php?articleid=288

Origins of Foot Reflexology

2007-05-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Reflexology is mainly used for:
- relaxation, stress is the cause of many physical and psychological dysfunctions
- activation of the blood and lymphatic circulation, cleansing of toxins, stimulation of the nervous system of digestive system
- prevention, reduction of many functional disorders thus aiding homeostasis. The body can recover its natural harmony and equilibrium.

Foot reflexology as we know it today has evolved from the zone therapy of Dr William Fitzgerald. Indeed in 1913 he exposed his theory which consists in virtually cutting the body in 10 longitudinal zones. Imagine dividing the body into two equal halves at the midline, and then again into 5 sections each side.
- zone 1, in the middle of the body goes from the thumb to the top of the head, down via the nose to end in the big toe;
- zone 2, from the index to the top of the head, down via the eyes to end in the second toe;
- zone 3, from the middle finger to the top of the head, down via the breast to end in the third toe;
- zone 4, from the annular finger to the top of the head, down via Bauhin’s valve on the right or the spleen on the left, to end in the fourth toe
- zone 5, from the little finger to the top of the head, down via the shoulders to end in the fifth toe.

Dr Fitzgerald mainly based his theory on acupuncture notions known at the time.
For him, each pressure applied within a zone had an effect of another part of the body situated in the same zone. For example, concerning foot reflexology, a pressure applied on the big toe will have an effect on the organs situated in zone 1. The main purpose of his method was to relieve pain.

His technique was later on promoted and refined by Dr Riley and Eunice Ingham who found that the technique could be used for all therapeutic treatments, not just for pain relief. Dr Riley mainly used the mouth whereas Ingham focused on the feet. In the 30s, she further developed her approach and trained many practiciens. Her maps of the reflex zones are still used in modern reflexology.

Doreen Bayly built on the existing theory with the notion of cross referral areas.
Indeed, according to Bayly, the cross referral area can be massaged instead or in addition to the problem zone. This is useful for injured organs that cannot be touched directly, and also to speed recovery.
Examples of cross referral areas:
- hand-foot
- wrist-angle
- elbow-knee
- shoulder-hip

Hanna Marquardt in Germany developed the theory of Transversal Zones, the body can be divided in 4 horizontal sections on the foot:
- phalanges include head and neck
- metatarsals include chest down to the waist
- tarsals include intestines, lower abdomen
- calcaneus for pelvis area

Development and refinement are ongoing in reflexology therapy. It is encouraging to see more and more nurses and doctors using this natural method as part of their treatment and patient care. Although it is not recognized by many countries, it is widely accepted and enjoyed as an efficient alternative medecine.

Foot Reflexology Treatment for Sinus Infections

2007-04-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

Many people suffer from terrible sinus pains. Reflexology can help this ailment and act as a preventive treatment.
The feet are the mirror image of the body, so the reflex points for sinuses are also found on the feet. In fact, they are on both feet at the tip of the toes, on the opposite side of the nails (yellow points on the picture). By pressing or massaging the fleshy part of each toe for 20 seconds, you can relieve the pain and breath better. Do this everyday as well as your usual sinus treatment.

If you suffer from sinus infections or sinusitis, check out this site which contains many articles on the subject:
http://www.postnasaldrip.net/index.htm

Topic 1- Post Nasal Drip/Sinus Infection/Sinusitis/Sinus Headache articles
Topic 2- Post Nasal Drip and Bad Breath
Topic 3- Sinus Operations
Topic 4- Sinus Related Book Reviews
Topic 5- Sinus Success Stories
Topic 6- Articles from Top ENT's
Topic 7- Sinus Irrigation and Treatment
Topic 8- Miscellaneous Sinus Articles
Topic 9- RSS Feed of Recent Articles from MedicineNet

What to expect from the first session?

2007-03-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

The first visit will last a bit longer than subsequent ones as the foot reflexologist needs to find out about your medical history, your diet and general health before examining your feet. The reflexology treatment is often preceeded by a relaxation massage or a warm foot bath to put you at ease.

During the treatment, you will be laying on a massage table or sitting in a recliner chair. The reflexologist will be sitting in front of your feet. You do not need to undress, only your feet will be bare.

A Reflexology session should feel relaxing, calming and restorative. Some pressure points will be sensitive if there is an imbalance, so some people may experience tenderness on different areas of the foot. However, the treatment should not be painful or cause discomfort. A good reflexologist will adapt his touch to each person and feedback is encouraged to create the most effective treatment. Since the touch is firm, it is not usually perceived as ticklish.

In general, a session will last 45 to 60 minutes. The young or elderly will generally be given shorter treatments.

Sometimes you may have a reaction to the treatment - usually pleasant reaction such as feeling calm, relaxed or rejuvenated. Other reactions are cleansing reactions, such as increased urination, more frequent bowel movement, tiredness or headaches. These should last no more than 48h, and are a sign that the body is eliminating toxins. It is worth keeping a note of these to tell the reflexologist during the next session.

How many sessions are required depends on your goal and your state of health.

Well-being thanks to foot reflexology

2007-03-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

The feet contain thousands of nerve endings which connect reflexes to every organ and muscle in the body. By identifying sensitive areas on the feet, the professional reflexologist can identify the precise part of the body where dysfunction is occurring. By working this reflex, he can eliminate the blockage, evacuate the toxins and activate blood circulation therefore restore balance and harmony.

By having the whole body represented in the feet, the method offers a means of treating the whole body and of treating the body as a whole. This latter point is an important factor of a natural therapy and allows not only symptoms to be treated but also the causes of symptoms.

Most people who have experienced treatment would agree that the method can be most beneficial and is also a very relaxing therapy. Several sessions are required for a satisfactory result although the feeling of well-being appears even after the first session. The treatment can be spaced out by 3 or 4 days or more. Some people like regular monthly treatment as they appreciate the state of relaxation induced by reflexology and understand the importance of preventive treatment.

How does Foot Reflexology work?

2007-03-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Reflexology is a holistic complementary therapy which helps balance the body and stimulate the body's own natural healing abilities. Reflexology does not claim to diagnose illnesses and it can be used safely alongside conventional medicine. Reflexology not only treats the symptoms but also the causes of the disorder to restore the body's natural harmony and equilibrium.

There are about 7200 nerve endings in the feet. These have interconnections through the spinal cord and brain with all parts of the body. The feet are the mirror of the body, each organ is represented on the foot. Some organs are found on both feet, for example the lungs, whereas others are on one foot only, for example the spleen is on the left foot. By stimulating a reflex area on the feet, balance is restored in the corresponding part or organ.

Foot reflexology also works on a system of energy zones throughout the body ending in the feet. It is possible to detect dysfunctions in these energy zones and to correct the flow of energy within the zone by applying pressure on the reflex areas. Foot reflexology unblocks energy flows and increases blood circulation, thus helping to restore health and equilibrium. Indeed, reflexology creates a deep state of relaxation and it releases stress and tension from the body.
Indeed, the first immediate effect after a session is a reduction in stress levels as Reflexology relaxes the mind, body and spirit.

Reflexology is ideal to ease most disorders such as headaches, breathing disorders, asthma, migraine, hormonal imbalances, menstrual problems and stress. The number of treatments required depends on the patient and the problem. Reflexology also acts as preventive medecine, so it is advisable to have regular treatments.

Self treatment is possible although it is easier on the hands rather than the feet.
Learn how to use it for you and your family !

When you discover the benefits of foot reflexology for relaxation, you will want to use it at home. In fact reflexology should be part of everyday life within a family, as a means to comfort, bond, and communicate with each other. Everyone can benefit from it - young or old.

History of Reflexology

2007-03-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Let's have a look at the main milestones of reflexology.

Foot reflexology is an ancestral art and has been practised in various forms for a long time. Did you know that it was V.M. Bechterev, a Russian physiologist, who first coined the term "reflexology"?

5000 BC Chinese practised a form of pressure therapy and foot massage which might be akin to reflexology therapy.

2300 BC In Egypt, inscriptions found in Ankhmahor's tomb at Saqqara show foot and hand massage.

1917 In the US, doctor William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist, published a book illustrating the reflex areas with their corresponding connections. At the time, he showed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on another area. Today's foot reflexology is issued from his findings.

1938 Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Her first book entitled "Stories The Feet Can Tell" and many others became standard textbooks for students. Ingham found that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology, and found to be effective for more than just pain reduction.

1960 The late Doreen Bayly was the pioneer of reflexology in Great Britain and her teachings are still continued today through the Bayly School of Reflexology.

Today, with reflexology, a practitioner can help you fight stress and achieve deep relaxation. By the way, remember that the term foot reflexology is prefered to foot massage.

Reflexology to Improve your Well-Being

2007-03-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy which consists in treating different disorders using pressure-point massage on the reflex areas of the feet. The foot is seen as a microcosm of the human body meaning that there are reflex areas in the feet corresponding to each part of the body.

The art of foot reflexology is to apply a specific pressure on these reflex points to detect tensions and blocked energy in the organs in order to eliminate the problems and restore balance throughout the body. The application of this pressure is assessed on the basis of ten longitudinal zones and areas mapped on the feet in the body's image.

With foot reflexology, you have at your feet a natural technique that can help you to get up and run.

Foot Reflexology

2007-03-06T02:57:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a method to reduce stress and relieve pain? Have you heard about a natural therapy called reflexology? Are you aware of the negative effects of stress on our body? It has an impact on all of the systems of our body. Here are a few examples of the disorders you might encounter:

blood circulation: varicose veins, hemorroids, high blood pressure etc.

digestive system: bloated stomach, stomach pains, acne, cold, allergy, loss of hair etc.

nervous system: insomnia, irritability, nervous breakdown, lack of concentration, memory loss etc.

articulations: osteoarthritis, muscular pains, sciatica etc.

Keep reading this blog to find out more about reflexology.

What is Reflexology?

2007-03-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Reflexology is a natural healing therapy which has been practiced throughout history across the world. Today it is mainly used as a complementary medicine, however it does not replace medical treatment.

Reflexology is a technique which applies pressure and movement onto a specific area of the feet or the hands in order to effect the corresponding part of the body.

In my blog I will mainly speak about foot reflexology and present an aspect of this wonderful healing technique every week - I hope you enjoy the blog, it's free to learn.

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